A review by bookgirl4ever
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

3.0

Carley is sent into foster care after her stepfather beats her, and, to her despair, her mother helps hold her down for the beating. Carley is wary of foster home she enters. The Murphys obviously love each other, the parents don't yell at the children when they make mistakes or cry, and they seem to love her (except for the oldest boy in the family who is jealous). Life with the Murphys is bliss and Carley begins to wish she could join this traditional family. But then her mother, who was also hospitalized the same night Carley was (we don't find out why until the end), recovers and Carley is faced the harsh reality that her mother is her family no matter their history.

The Murphys as times seemed almost too perfect, but I guess I do know some families that seem wonderful too. Also, there is no fairy tale ending, rather a hopeful one.

Middle school